Christmas 2026 Features Loaded NFL and NBA Schedules, Here's Everything You Need to Know

Santa Claus is going to deliver for sports fans this year.

The Christmas Day sports slate rounded into form Tuesday when the NBA released its list of five matchups that is highlighted by an NBA Finals rematch between the champion New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.

The NFL had already released its Christmas Day triple-header, which means fans will have no shortage of options to choose from on Dec. 25:

League	Matchup	Time/TV
NBA	Spurs at Knicks	12 p.m. ET/ABC
NFL	Packers at Bears	1 p.m. ET/Netflix
NBA	Heat at Celtics	2:30 p.m. ET/ABC
NFL	Bills at Broncos	4:30 p.m. ET/Netflix
NBA	76ers at Lakers	5 p.m. ET/ESPN
NBA	Thunder at Timberwolves	8 p.m. ET/ABC
NFL	Rams at Seahawks	8:15 p.m. ET/Fox
NBA	Nuggets at Warriors	10:30 p.m. ET/ABC

In terms of the NFL games, it is difficult to script a better slate.

There is arguably the sport's best rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in a playoff rematch after Chicago eliminated Jordan Love and Co. last season. The game between Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos is also a playoff rematch, as is the showdown between the rival Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.

Seattle defeated Los Angeles 31-27 in the NFC Championship Game in a thrilling matchup that proved to be its most difficult challenge on the way to the Lombardi Trophy. It would be anything but a surprise if the two NFC West teams were once again on the short list of title contenders this season.

▶️ Full Rams-Seahawks Recap

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As for the NBA, there is plenty of intrigue across its five games as well.

In addition to the NBA Finals rematch, fans will get the chance to see LeBron James face his former team when his Philadelphia 76ers take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Philadelphia was the story of the offseason with the addition of Jaylen Brown as well and will be in title-or-bust mode throughout the campaign.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will also be on a new team when his Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics, while some of the Western Conference's top contenders will take the court in the later slate when the Oklahoma City Thunder square off with the Minnesota Timberwolves before the Denver Nuggets go against the Golden State Warriors.

With Victor Wembanyama, Jalen Brunson, Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, James, Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Nikola Jokić and Stephen Curry all scheduled to take the floor, there will be plenty of star power to go around on the holiday.

And plenty to watch after fans are done opening their presents.